23 March 2004 – The efforts of the Philippine Government to achieve lasting and meaningful peace in
 the Southern Philippines has received a major boost with the deployment of Malaysia’s Advance Survey Team,  according to Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Rafael E. Seguis.

 “The visit of the Advance Survey Team from Malaysia for the on-going GRP-MILF peace talks is a welcome
 development because for many years, negotiations with the MILF have remained a priority in our country’s
 peace agenda”, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Rafael E. Seguis said as he welcomed the advance party
 of Malaysian ceasefire monitors who paid a call on him at the DFA today.

 Speaking to reporters after the call, the Acting Secretary said that the Philippines’ search for peace
 is firmly on track. “The trust and confidence between the negotiating parties and their sincere desire for
 peace have never been higher.  Malaysia has agreed to monitor our ceasefire while we work out the details of
 our peace agreement.  Everything is falling into its proper place in our quest for peace,” he said.

 The 12-member Advance Survey Team (AST), which arrived yesterday, will prepare for the actual deployment of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team.  The AST will be in the Southern Philippines for nine days
 and will visit government offices and meet with local AFP senior officers, MILF leaders and community
 members.

 Acting Secretary Seguis remarked that the goal of the present administration of President Gloria Macapagal
 Arroyo is to achieve a comprehensive and durable settlement of the conflict in Mindanao.  He
 underscored that peace and development are interrelated because peace thrives when people are
 economically content whereas development prospers in a peaceful environment.

 Given the Philippine government’s unwavering commitment to forge peace with our Muslim brothers,
 Acting Secretary Seguis said he is optimistic that the steady progress in the GRP-MILF peace process will
 result in stability in Mindanao and prosperity of all Filipinos.

 He thanked the Malaysian government for its role in brokering peace between the GRP and MILF, adding that
 the role which Malaysia continues to play in the peace process manifests the closer relations existing
 between the two countries.

 Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process,  Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles,  Chairman of the GRP Panel
 Secretary Silvestre Afable,  Mr. Bobby Alonto, member of the MILF Panel, each gave their welcome remarks
 during the call.  They thanked the Malaysian government for their continued support in facilitating
 the GRP-MILF peace talks and expressed optimism that the visit of the advance survey team will definitely
 result in peace dividends between the GRP and MILF.

 Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Taufik and the head of delegation Brig. Gen. Dato Zulkifli
 Mohd Zain thanked the Philippine government for the warm reception accorded to the team.  In extending
 gratitude for giving Malaysia the role to broker and facilitate the peace process between the GRP and MILF,
 Ambassador Taufik said “it reflects the mutual trust and confidence by both parties towards Malaysia”.  END